In terms of the best value bets, Lance Berkman at 14-to-1 and Mike Napoli at 18-to-1 are probably the most underrated relative to the other top hitters on each team. And both Game 1 starters at 18-to-1 seem like decent bets, because if either Chris Carpenter or C.J. Wilson win two games in the series their MVP odds would be pretty strong.

Also worth noting: There are six guys at 10-to-1 or better and Pujols is the only Cardinals player, which makes some sense given that the Rangers are favored to win the series.

Definitely agree about Berkman and Napoli being undervalued. It might be worth choosing one and hedging it with one of the big names. Hypothetically speaking, of course. I would be cautious about assuming somebody who was hot in the first 2 rounds will keep going. Especially because their odds are inflated against you because of their hot streak anyway. I don’t like the “field” bet. I just don’t see any names missing that would be of much potential. If Nick Punto is World Series MVP, in the words of Anchorman, “Actually, I’m not even mad. I’m impressed!”

…so, why do I keep reading articles (ESPN and MLB.com both did this), that give the Rangers the advantage between the two in their position by position comparison? I know Cruz had an absurd ALCS, but it’s foolish to think he’s going to play that way during the series, just as it was foolish to think he could continue to hit the .067 he hit in the ALDS.

You just know it’s gonna go to Nick Punto. I can already see it in my mind’s eye: filling in for a re-injured Matt Holliday, he’ll pick up a buttload of RBIs on a handful of bloop singles and make a few fine defensive plays to get everyone talking. Then, in the 10th inning of Game 6, against all expectations, he’ll hit a walk-off home run to win the Series.

And all of us in Twins Territory will brace for the darkest winter in memory, huddling around effigies of Bill Smith for warmth.

The fantastic thing about this is the World Series MVP isn’t neccesarilly the best player through the series. If somebody for the Cardinals gets the walk-off hit in Game 7 he could just as easily win it as somebody who hit two home-runs in Game 6 in the first place.